Since marrying Denmark’s then-Crown Prince Frederik in 2004, Tasmania-born Mary Donaldson, now Queen Mary of Denmark, has returned to her homeland several times.
Some visits have been official royal tours, while others have been private trips to see family and friends. However, in 2026, she’s making her grand return as the first Australian-born Queen in March.
Here are all the times the Queen has visited Australia since becoming an official Royal.
2005: First return to Australia as a Royal
Mary’s first return to Australia after marrying the then-Crown Prince Frederik came in February–March 2005. It was less than a year after their Copenhagen wedding and her first as an official Princess.
The newly married royal couple undertook a major 13-day tour across the country. They travelled to Canberra, Melbourne, and Hobart on their first official trip. They famously took part in a yacht race against one another in Sydney Harbour!
While in Canberra, they were formally received by then John Howard, Australia’s Prime Minister at the time. The meeting took place at Parliament House, where the Danish royals attended official events and receptions linked to the tour.
2011: Royal tour across Australia
In November 2011, Mary and Frederik embarked on another official visit to Australia, this time across six-days travelling across several cities. Beginning in Sydney and including Canberra, Melbourne, western Victoria and Broken Hill, before a private family visit afterwards.
The tour included public engagements, cultural events and meetings with Danish businesses operating in Australia. The couple also used the trip to highlight Danish design and innovation, as well as their philanthropic interests. There were also plenty of memorable shots of the Royal Couple taking in the Sculpture by the Sea in Sydney.
During the visit, they were hosted at Government House, Canberra, by the then Governor-General, Quentin Bryce. The engagement included a formal welcome and diplomatic discussions recognising the strong relationship between Denmark and Australia. Princess Mary met Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the same time. Prior to that, the couple met with the Governor of NSW, Dame Marie Bashir,
In the interim years, they returned on family trips and holidays, but not in the capacity and Corwn Prince and Princess.
2013: Celebrating the Sydney Opera House anniversary
Mary returned in October 2013 for another official royal tour, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House. The celebration held special meaning for Denmark because the iconic building was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon.
This was the last official royal visit to Australia for a decade. Mary returned to Australia again in 2017, but this time it was a private trip rather than an official tour.
She was photographed enjoying time around Sydney, visiting beaches and spending time on the harbour, while catching up with family and friends.
2023: Official Sydney sustainability visit
In 2023, Mary made another official visit, this time to Sydney on 28 April, focused on green transition and climate change. The Danish Embassy in Australia said she would meet Clover Moore and engage with Danish businesses involved in Australia’s green transition.
During the visit, she met Clover Moore, the Lord Mayor of Sydney, and participated in events highlighting the green transition and Danish expertise in sustainable cities. One of the most widely photographed moments of the visit saw Mary cycling through Sydney’s CBD to promote urban cycling infrastructure.
Before that, she returned at Christmastime to spend the holidays with her family on Australian soil.
2026: First official state visit as Queen
In 2026, now as Queen Mary, she and King Frederik are making a state visit to Australia from 14 to 19 March, covering the Northern Territory, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania. The Danish Embassy describes this as a state visit with a major focus on green transition.
We will be covering Queen Mary’s visit here on The Australian Women’s Weekly website.
Find out more information here.
